"Friends at the Blackberry Festival"

It was beautiful weather this past week-end and a dozen Friends from Coos County Friends of Public Health helped out in the "pandemic influenza" booth at the Blackberry Festival. Some people were interested in the brochures on the table, but the free cold water that was offered was more in demand than pamphlets. Many were grateful for the water and donated to the Coins for Coos Kids Campaign. Altogether, $160 was collected at the booth to help support WIC and immunizations for kids. It was a fun time seeing lots of people (and many dogs!). Thanks to Donna and Chris Flammang, Molly Ford, Dale Helland, Dale Schlack, Sylvia Mangan, Carolyn Jacobson, Josephine Morrison, Kathy Hornstuen, and Monica Schreiber for taking turns in the booth, and also to Joe Smith and Michelle Wyatt for set up. We look forward to more events in the future, where we can share information about public health topics. Frances Smith

Clear Air at the Fair, by Frances Smith

When I was at the Coos County Fair last month, I saw fewer people smoking than in the past. There were colorful signs posted throughout the fair grounds that had pictures of kids and messages such as "We Care About Our Kids ... Thank You For Not Smoking." There were also ads for the Oregon Quit Line. The posters were supplied by the Health Department's Tobacco Prevention and Education Program, which is funded by the tobacco tax (Measures 44 & 20). Some fairs in other counties have gone totally smoke free, and not just in the animal barns. You would think that if people smoked outdoors it wouldn't bother non-smokers, but it does, especially in crowded areas. Another reason to ban smoking at public events is to de-normalize it. If kids don't see adults using tobacco, then they are less likely to start. If there were fewer people smoking this year at the Fair, it was voluntary, but that is a good step in the right direction.